WASHINGTON, DC—Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement today after working with officials to obtain details about a Texas plane presumed down in Wyoming:

“At a time when we are praying that our lost east Texans in Wyoming will be found safe, it is comforting to know we have sympathetic friends in Wyoming to help. The Civil Air Patrol there was doing what it could, but late yesterday afternoon, I contacted the only member of Congress from Wyoming, Cynthia Lummis, who is a very dear, close friend. After discussing what had been and was being done, I mentioned to her that perhaps the National Guard could put together a training exercise to go look for a downed plane and asked if that was possible there. She said she knew people who could set it in motion if it were.

Her Chief of Staff, Tucker Fagan, is in Wyoming now and was a former Air Force Commander. He called me back with what they were working on and then later again saying that he had talked directly to the Wing Commander at the Air Force Base there and that they were sending up a helicopter immediately as the commander had just approved the order. Though it was dark by then, the sophisticated chopper they were sending up had sensors of various kinds that could still make a search at night worth trying. If they had not had success last night, they were going to try again today. I passed on the messages as I got them to our east Texas family members who had made it to Wyoming and they were gratified to know that federal officials in Wyoming were on the task and helping. Congresswoman Lummis had also advised me she was going to try to reach the governor to let him know as well. The Wyoming governor has now contacted the families also to relay his concern.

Our prayers continue for those we are missing, for their loved ones, and for those doing the actual search. But at the same time, we are extremely grateful to have such incredibly caring and thoughtful public servants in the state of Wyoming, from Governor Matt Mead, Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis, her Chief of Staff Tucker Fagan, to the Air Force commanders, the Civil Air Patrol searchers, and all those immediately assisting there in the state. God bless them all.”

Congressman Louie Gohmert is the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Prior to being elected to serve in Congress, Louie was elected to three terms as District Judge in Smith County, Texas. He also served as Chief Justice of Texas'12th Court of Appeals.